Resources

The HumanAbility Workforce Plan 2024 outlines strategies to address workforce shortages, skills gaps, and training needs across Australia’s care sectors, including aged care. It emphasises the importance of career pathways, inclusive practices, and better workforce data. The plan supports a sustainable, responsive workforce to meet future care and support demands.

The 2020 SkillsIQ discussion paper, developed with Macquarie University, invites stakeholders to reimagine the role of Personal Care Workers (PCWs) in aged care. It emphasizes aligning PCW skills with evolving care recipient needs, advocating for enhanced training and integration within multidisciplinary teams to ensure holistic, person-centered care delivery.

The Homecare Association's UK-focused report emphasizes that flexible working hours and regular feedback are more effective for retaining homecare workers than pay increases alone. It advocates for innovation through staff development, performance bonuses, and technology adoption. Sector-wide improvements in funding, career perception, and integration with healthcare are also recommended.

This report summarises research conducted by HESTA on the retention of the aged care workforce.

The 2020 SkillsIQ paper highlights barriers to career progression in aged care, including poor qualification pathways and limited training relevance. It recommends nationally consistent, flexible models, like micro-credentials and better RPL, to support workforce development. Stronger education-employer partnerships and culturally inclusive approaches are essential for a sustainable, skilled aged care workforce.

The Grattan Institute's 2021 report, The Next Steps for Aged Care, calls for an additional $10 billion annually to overhaul Australia's aged care system. It advocates for a rights-based Aged Care Act, universal funding akin to Medicare, and the employment of 70,000 more workers. Proposed funding mechanisms include an aged care levy and reforms to superannuation tax concessions.

This Flinders University report examines the impact of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) on Australia's aged care sector, highlighting challenges in workforce planning, service integration, and funding. It underscores the need for coordinated policy approaches to address overlapping care needs and ensure sustainable, high-quality support for older Australians.

This Flinders University report examines the impact of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) on Australia's aged care sector, highlighting challenges in workforce planning, service integration, and funding. It underscores the need for coordinated policy approaches to address overlapping care needs and ensure sustainable, high-quality support for older Australians.

This 2023 report explores alternative staffing models for residential aged care services that struggle to meet the 24/7 registered nurse requirement. Commissioned by the Department of Health and Aged Care, it recommends flexible, clinically safe approaches such as nurse practitioner-led models, telehealth, and outreach services—particularly for rural and remote facilities. The report supports exemptions in specific contexts (e.g.

The 2023 Aged & Community Care Providers Association (ACCPA) Workforce Report presents insights from a national survey of aged care providers. It identifies persistent challenges in recruitment, retention, training, and workforce supply, particularly for personal care workers, registered nurses, and allied health professionals. The report highlights high vacancy rates, increased use of agency staff, and limited access to skilled workers in regional areas.